Homes evacuated in Newhall

Homes in Newhall are being evacuated this evening (Saturday July 26) after a potentially volatile substance was found in a flat.

Police in South Derbyshire are working with County Council emergency planners to evacuate and house up to 200 people who are being asked to leave their homes as a precaution.

Residents from premises within 100 metres of Belvoir Crescent will be given local temporary accommodation until the substance is removed.

The substance was discovered this afternoon at a flat on Belvoir Crescent during a search of the premises.

A 55-year-old man is under arrest.

Superintendent Paul Markham, who is in charge of the operation, said: "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this matter and we are hoping that people will not be inconvenienced for too long.

"The evacuation is purely a precaution to ensure everybody's safety and residents will be allowed back home as soon as possible."